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 What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior. In an abusive relationship one partner tries to maintain control over the other by using physical, psychological, verbal, and sexual violence. Although factors such as drug and alcohol use, stress, or a family history of abuse may contribute to the problem, domestic violence is primarily an issue of power and control.
Abuse may include . . .
- Hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, choking, punching, biting
- Constant jealousy and control
- Threats
- Forced sex
- Isolation from family/friends
- Economic control
- Destruction of personal property
- Excessive criticism
- Extreme anger
- Withholding medication
- Using race, age, sexual identity, immigration status, class, appearance, religion, HIV status, etc. against you.
If you are being abused...
- Call 911 if you are in danger.
- Talk with a friend, relative, anyone you trust and think will be supportive.
- Call a domestic violence hotline for assistance.
- Talk to a health care provider about your injuries.
- Call a shelter and find out about options available to you.
- Create a personalized safety plan.
- Pack an emergency bag containing an extra set of clothing, extra cash, identification (such as birth certificates, social security cards, immunization records), financial records, keys (house/car),
address book, etc. Keep the bag in a safe place, where the abuser will not find it.
- Keep a cell phone or change for phone calls with you at all times.
Domestic Violence Does Not Discriminate
Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence occurs across all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. It has no boundaries and exists among dating relationships;same-sex relationships and older victims. It also impacts the lives of children, the disabled; deaf and immigrants.
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